Taiwan, clear victory for William Lai. China: 'Result will not prevent reunification'. Biden, US does not support country's independence
The EU congratulates Taiwan on the people's participation in the elections and, in a note, recalls that 'our systems of government are based on respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and human rights'
3' min read
3' min read
The DPP Independence Party in power since 2016 is on its way to winning its third term in office, William Lai Ching-te is leading with over 42% of the vote in a clear victory before which even Hou Yu-ih, the Kuomintang candidate, bowed down and admitted defeat. The victory is also the victory of the ticket with Deputy Hsiao Bi-khim, both fervent supporters of the island's independence, which, however, the People's China claims as part of its sovereign territory.
Feeling victory in his pocket and with more than an hour before the count closed, Lai swooped into the party headquarters, already finding a crowd of tens of thousands of supporters to welcome him in an atmosphere of principled celebration.
The candidate of the Democratic Progressive Party, at around 65% of the count, was in the lead with over 40% of the valid votes, edging out rivals Hou Yu-ih (Kmt) and Ko Wen-je (Tpp), at 33.4% and 26.5% respectively, according to unofficial data from the local media. There is confidence that victory is always close because the official figures, those released by the Central Electoral Commission, give - around halfway through the counting of the 17,795 polling stations - Lai at 41.9%, Hou at 33.15% and Ko at 24.95%. A total of 19.3 million voters were called to vote in the more than 18,000 polling stations in an election that could redefine relations between Taipei and Beijing. According to early indications, the election is expected to have a record turnout of at least over 70%.
Dpp loses majority in parliament
William Lai wins the presidential election, but his Democratic Progressive Party loses its absolute majority in the Legislative Yuan, the island's parliament. In 2016, the DPP had as many as 68 seats out of the total 113 in the assembly, which fell to 61 in the 2020 election round: now, according to preliminary counts, it has a safe 34 so far (against the 32 held by the Kmt nationalists). When the count is complete, it is possible that Dpp and Kmt will be roughly on an equal footing, above 40, leaving the Tpp - the third political force - with about ten seats and a sort of veto power over every measure.
Chinese militia manoeuvres
.Meanwhile, China has sent eight jets and six military ships around the island, Taiwan's Defence Ministry reports. Two Chinese spy balloons were also sent over the Taiwan Strait, it adds. China has also blocked the hashtag 'elections in Taiwan' on the social media platform Weibo. The Economic Times writes. The block was ordered after the hashtag became one of the top trending ones after the polls opened on the island.
